Elizabeth

Macgregor

I love the dynamic nature of the course. It is very challenging, but that encourages you to push your boundaries and explore new ideas.

More about Elizabeth

Elizabeth talks about her Clearing experience

Elizabeth came to NTU through the clearing process after applying for four courses at three universities before the UCAS January deadline. Her advice? Keep an open mind about clearing - it's not as scary as it seems!

Why NTU?

“I love the progressive nature of the University. There are constant improvements and innovations taking place within the university community, whether through the physical improvements to the facilities or to the courses and social events that take place within. I really felt that by studying at NTU I would never be shy of opportunities presented to me.

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

“I love the dynamic nature of the course. It is very challenging, but that encourages you to push your boundaries and explore new ideas. The activities we take part in are always changing which keeps the course interesting and varied. I think that a specific aspect of this course that makes it differ from other courses is the integration between your peers, not only in your own year, but in all the other years also.

How did you find your experience during the clearing process?

"I initially found the process of clearing quite daunting and stressful – I wasn’t prepared for the rejection! However once I’d gained some perspective, I did some research online to see my options and found that Nottingham Trent University had a really great Architecture course that I could apply to through clearing. I rang NTU via the clearing hotline and came into contact with the course leader. Post conversation I felt much more at ease as I had a direction to move forwards with.

"Through this process I sent a portfolio to the university and after a very quick turnaround, I’d secured a place to study at NTU. Overall the clearing process was as positive as it could have been. The staff that I spoke to put me at ease throughout the whole transition and as a result I’ve ended up in a University that I’m incredibly happy to be part of.

How did you settle into your course at NTU during your first year?

"In general I settled quite quickly into the course at NTU. I had quite low expectations after clearing as I’d never visited the University and as this was a completely different outcome to originally planned. I could not have been more surprised by what I received when I first joined the course. Facilities on offer, connection with the tutors and all the support that we had within even the first few months, made me feel very welcome and excited to study here. Even though I got to the course through clearing, I am very much an integrated student within my year and the University and I have always been presented with the same opportunities as my peer group.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about going through clearing?

"There is a certain stigma surrounding the idea of clearing - that it’s a failure. However, although in comparison to your peer group who may have been offered a place at University straight away, finding a University place through clearing is still an achievement. It may even open up opportunities that you’d never considered beforehand and in my case, the outcome is infinitely better that the one I’d originally intended. To any student facing clearing and who are worried by the prospects, I’d say not to be disappointed and to keep an open mind - it’s not as scary as it seems!

In a nutshell, why would you recommend your course and NTU to someone looking to study in that area?

“Architecture allows you to improve skills in many different areas, be it in your design process, the physical design skills through hand drawing and technical software or through communication skills. This course improves soft skills immensely, I know my confidence has been greatly improved from taking part in this course as it pushes you out of your comfort zone and to interact with many different people.”